Endoscopic operating microscope

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a surgical apparatus which provides multidimensional views of the internal area of a biological specimen. The apparatus includes an endoscope connected to an operating microscope. The endoscope can be a sleeve formed by a series of collar elements or a rigid rod. The endoscope contains a guide or lens means for transmitting an optical image and an illuminating means for the transmission of light. A moveable prism is positioned on the end of each of the guide or lens means and serves to enlarge the apparatuses field of view as well as enhance stereoscopic imaging.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an endoscopic system and, moreparticularly, is directed to an apparatus utilizing an endoscope inconjunction with an operating microscope to provide multidimensionalviews of the internal area of a biological specimen.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Endoscopes are widely used for observing the internal organs of humansand other large biological specimens. The use of this instrument permitsinvestigation of organs without the need for invasive and traumatizingsurgical procedures. Endoscopes are used for diagnostic, research, andsurgical purposes.

In use, a doctor holds the endoscope while inserting one end into thespecimen's body via an incision or opening in either the respiratorysystem or gastrointestinal tract. Once through the incision or opening,the end of the endoscope is maneuvered into a passageway leading to thespecific area to be observed. Generally, the surgeon holds the endoscopein one hand while performing the desired surgical procedure with theother hand.

The area to be observed can be viewed by direct visual observation ormagnification using, for example, television relay systems. Exemplaryimaging systems are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,615,332, 4,862,873 and4,890,159. Although fiber optic systems are capable of providing images,such systems suffer from the limitation that they provide only atwo-dimensional view of the object or surface being investigated. As aresult, surface topography and spacial orientations are not clearlydiscernable. The inability of the image to provide depth perceptionlimits the usefulness of endoscopes.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a stereoscopic endoscope whichprovides high resolution images with depth perception and permits adoctor to have substantially free movement of both hands during surgicalprocedures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope whichdoes not suffer from the foregoing disadvantages and limitations.

It is a another object of the invention to provide an endoscopicapparatus which permits multidimensional viewing of the internal areasof biological specimens.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an endoscopicexamination apparatus which permits a surgeon to use both hands whileperforming medical procedures.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide an apparatus forhigh resolution imaging with depth perception of the internal areas of abiological specimen.

Other general and specific objects of the invention will in part beobvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

The present invention is characterized by an operating endoscopicmicroscope that is sized and shaped to be inserted into a cavity orincision in a biological specimen for high resolution, depth perceptionviewing of selected areas in the specimen.

The endoscope has an observation end and an insertion end. The insertionend preferably is a sleeve formed by a series of collar elements whichare pivotally connected to each other and contain a guide or lens meansthrough which an optical image can be transmitted. Typical guide meansare fiber-optic bundles arranged either singularly or in pairs. The lensmeans can be composed of either a single, or paired, series of opticallyaligned lenses. A moveable prism is positioned on the end of each of theguide or lens means. Preferably, when pairs of fiber-optic bundles, oroptically aligned lens, are utilized the prisms are oriented so as toprovide convergent fields of view which enhance stereoscopic imaging.The sleeve typically also contains an illuminating means fortransmitting light into the biological specimen. A light source meanssupplies the requisite light to the illuminating means. Elements forlocking the sleeve in selected positions, or rotating it about itslongitudinal axis, can also be provided.

The operating microscope is operatively connected to the observation endof the endoscope and, preferably, is configured to be free-standing. Anoptical connecting means connects the ocular openings of the microscopeto the guide or lens means of the endoscope. A pair of viewing ports areprovided for binocular viewing of the transmitted image. When only asingle guide or lens means is utilized, a prism means can be included inthe microscope. This prism means splits the image transmitted by theendoscope and transmits it to each of the ocular openings. Thus, theprism means permits a single guide or lens means to provide binocularviewing of the transmitted image. In order to present the user with anupright image, the microscope also includes a lens system which invertsthe optical image transmitted by the guide or lens means. The inversionsystem is operatively connected to the observation end of the endoscopeand may be a component of the optical connecting means.

The invention accordingly comprises the steps and apparatus embodyingfeatures of construction, combinations of elements and arrangements ofparts adapted to effect such steps, as exemplified in the followingdetailed disclosure. The scope of the invention is indicated in theclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the presentinvention will become apparent upon consideration of the followingdetailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of the invention having aflexible sleeve containing a single guide means for transmitting animage;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the first embodiment of the invention depictedin FIG. 1 having a flexible sleeve containing a pair guide means;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a second embodiment of the invention having arigid sleeve containing a single lens system for transmitting an image;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the second embodiment of the inventiondepicted in FIG. 3 having a rigid sleeve containing a pair lens systems;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a third embodiment of the invention having aflexible sleeve containing a single lens system including a series ofoptically aligned prisms for transmitting an image;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the third embodiment of the invention depictedin FIG. 5 having a pair lens systems means contained within the sleeveof the endoscope; and

FIG. 7 is an end view of a fourth embodiment of the invention having ahollow interior with an image transmitting system mounted on theinterior surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 7, wherein like reference numerals refer tolike parts, there is illustrated a endoscopic operating microscope 10.Microscope 10 includes a surgical microscope 12 operatively connected toan endoscope 14. The endoscope 14 can have a flexible configuration, asshown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6, or a rigid configuration, as shown inFIGS. 3, 4, and 7. A light source 16 provides illuminating light fortransmission by the components of the endoscope 14.

The surgical microscope 12 preferably is configured as a free-standingunit and includes two ocular openings 18 and 20. Configuring themicroscope 12 as a free-standing unit increases the freedom afforded tothe user's hands through-out operation of the apparatus 10. An opticalconnecting means 22 optically connects the microscope 12 to theendoscope 14. More particularly, the connecting means 22 connects ocularopenings 18 and 20 to the guide means 24 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 7) or lensmeans 66 (FIGS. 3 through 6) of the endoscope 14. When only a singleguide means 24 or lens means 66 is utilized, as in the case of theembodiments of FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, the microscope 12 includes a prismmeans 28. The prism means 28 can be either a component of the opticalconnecting means 22 or, as shown in the FIGURES, a separate unit. Inoperation, the prism means 28 splits the image transmitted by the singleguide means 24 or lens means 66 and transmits it to each of the ocularopenings 18 and 20. The microscope 12 also preferably includes an imageinversion system 30. Image inversion system 30 inverts the optical imagetransmitted by the guide means 24 or lens means 66 so that it isoriented upright for viewing.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown the surgical microscope 12connected to endoscope 14. The endoscope 14 has an insertion end 32 andobservation end 34. The insertion end 32 is sized and shaped to beinserted into and retracted from an incision or body cavity. Typicallythe endoscope 14 has an elongate, rod-like configuration. Theobservation end 34 is adapted to be connected to the surgical microscope12 and includes the controls discussed below.

Connected to the terminus of the observation end 34 are controls formaneuvering the insertion end 32 of the endoscope 14. These controls areoperationally connected to the collar elements 36 discussed in detailbelow. Typical endoscope controls include a locking means 38 and arotating means 40. The locking means 38 assists to secure the insertionend 32 in selected positions. The rotating means 40 allows the user torotate the insertion end 32 about its longitudinal axis and, thus,provide the viewer with a 360 degree field of view. Connected proximateto the terminus of the observation end 34 is a light source 16. Moreparticularly, a light source 16 is connected to an illuminating means 44which extends into the insertion end 32. The light source 16 providesilluminating light for transmission into the cavity or incision beinginvestigated.

The insertion end is defined by a sleeve 46 formed by a series of collarelements 36. In general, the collar elements 36 have a tubularconfiguration. The upper edge of each collar element 36 includes araised portion 48 having an centrally positioned aperture 50. A pair ofoppositely disposed apertures (not shown) are also cut into the lowerportion of each collar element 36. Preferably, these apertures arepositioned such that upon connection of sequential collar elements 36using, for example, a pin, bolt, or other fastener 54, a flexible tube,i.e., the sleeve 46, will be formed. Accordingly, the aperturestypically are positioned sufficiently close to the upper and lower edgesof the collar elements 36 so as to permit adjacent units to pivotrelative to each other.

The overall degree of pivoting of the elements 36, and thus flexure ofthe sleeve 46, is controlled by wires 56 passing through a pair ofchannels 58 connected to the exterior of the collar elements 36. Thesewires 56 are, in turn, operatively connected to the locking means 38. Inoperation, the locking means 38 secures the sleeve 46 in a givenconfiguration by removing slack from the wires 56. More particularly,tightening of the locking means 38 removes slack from the wires 56. Thiscauses the collar elements 36 to be drawn together, thus preventingfurther relative pivotal displacement. A safety lock 62 can bepositioned on the external surface of one of the collar elements 36 ofthe sleeve 46 after tightening of the locking means 38. The safety lock62 acts to prevent further accidental penetration of the sleeve 46 afterit is secured in a given position.

Contained within the sleeve 46 is a guide means 24 for transmitting animage from the insertion end 32 to the observation end 34. Alsocontained within the sleeve 46 is an illuminating means 44. Preferably,the guide means 24 and illuminating means 44 are contained within acovering 60. The covering 60 protects the guide means 24 andilluminating means 44 from the deleterious effects of exposure tocorrosive biologic fluids and potential pinching between adjacent collarelements 36. Preferably, the guide means 24 are fiber-optic bundlesarranged either singularly, as shown in FIG. 1, or in pairs, as shown inFIG. 2. When used in pairs, the guide means 24 are preferably positionedon opposite sides of the illuminating means 44. Positioned on the end ofeach guide means 24 can be a moveable prism (not shown). The prismserves to increase the field of vision of the guide means 24. When apair of fiber-optic bundles are utilized as the guide means 24, as inthe case of the embodiment of FIG. 2, prisms having an angle ofreflection of six degrees are utilized and oriented so as to formconvergent fields of view. This latter configuration enhances thethree-dimensional presentation of the object under investigation.

Turning to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown the surgical microscope 12connected to now rigid endoscope 14. Preferably, a flexible prism means27 connects the surgical microscope 12 to the now rigid endoscope 14. Inoperation, the prism means 27 serves to increase the maneuverability ofthe endoscope 14, thus making operation of the apparatus 10 moreconvenient. The structure of the microscope 12 is as discussed above.The gross configuration of the endoscope 14 remains unchanged. Since theflexible configuration discussed above has been replaced by a rigidtubular configuration, the only maneuvering control provided in thisembodiment is the rotating means 40. A light source 16 continues toprovide light to an illuminating means 44 which extends into theinsertion end 32.

In this embodiment of the invention, the insertion end 32 is defined bya tubular rod 64 typically manufactured from aluminum. Like the sleeve46, the rod 64 is sized to be inserted into and retracted from anincision or body cavity. Contained within rod 64 is a lens means 66 fortransmitting an image from the insertion end 32 to the observation end34. Also contained within the rod 64 is the illuminating means 44.Preferably, the lens means 66 is either a single or paired series ofoptically aligned lenses 68. When used in pairs, the lenses 68 arepreferably positioned on opposite sides of the illuminating means 44.Positioned on the end of each lens means 66 is a moveable prism 70. Theprism 70 serves to increase the field of vision of the lens means 66. Amoveable mirror 72 can also be positioned on the end of the rod 64. Themirror 72 typically can be pivoted so as to further augment the field ofview afforded to the user of the microscope 10. The degree to which themirror 72 is pivoted is controlled by manipulation of a control knob 74.When a pair of optically aligned lens means 66 is utilized, as in thecase of the embodiment of FIG. 4, mirror 72 is not used and the prisms70 are designed so as to have an angle of refraction of six degreesoriented inwardly to form convergent fields of view. As noted above,this configuration enhances the three-dimensional presentation of theobject under investigation.

The embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, utilizes thesleeve 46 formed by collar elements 36 to define the insertion end 32 ofthe endoscope 14. The structure of the microscope 12 and controlsconnected to the terminus of the observation end 34 are is as discussedabove with regard to FIGS. 1 and 2.

A lens means 66 is contained within the sleeve 46. Also contained withinthe sleeve 46 is the illuminating means 44. Preferably, the lens means66 is either a single or paired series of optically aligned prismelements 76. These prism elements 76 are shown in phantom in theFIGURES. Each prism element 76 includes two reflective surfaces orientedat ninety degrees to each other. As a result of the configuration andorientation of the reflective surfaces, the image is reflected twicewithin each unit before being passed onto the next prism element 76. Bysequential reflection, the image is passed up the sleeve 46 until itreaches the optical elements of the microscope 12. When used in pairs,the prisms elements 76 are preferably positioned on opposite sides ofthe illuminating means 44. Positioned on the terminal prism element is alens 78 having a high degree of curvature. The high degree of curvatureof the lens 78 serves to increase the overall field of vision of thelens means 66. When a paired series of prism elements 76 is utilized, asin the case of the embodiment of FIG. 6, lens 78 can be ground so as tohave an angle of refraction of six degrees oriented inwardly to formconvergent field of view. This modification acts to enhance thethree-dimensional presentation of the object under investigation.

The embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 7 can be used as alaryngoscope. The apparatus 80 includes a hollow tube 84 which serves asthe support for the guide means 24 or lens means 66 and illuminatingmeans 44. Tube 84 is sized and shaped for insertion into, for example, ahuman mouth. Preferably, an interior cavity 86 of the tube 84 is ofsufficient size act as a passageway for the positioning of surgicalinstruments.

On an interior surface 88 of the tube 84 are positioned paired sets ofthe guide means 24 or lens means 66 discussed in detail above. Aflexible connector (not shown) can be used to connect the surgicalmicroscope 12 to the guide means 24 or lens means 66 of the apparatus80. In operation, this flexible connector serves to increase themaneuverability of the tube 84, thus making operation of the apparatus80 more convenient. Also positioned on the interior surface 88 are apair of illuminating means 44. Two illuminating means 44 are requireddue to the larger size of the area under investigation, i.e., the throatand larynx, and the greater diameter of the interior cavity 86 of thetube 84 as compared to the sleeve 46 or rod 64. In order to permitviewing of the image provided by the guide means 24 or lens means 66,the free ends of these units are optically connected to the connectingmeans 22 of the microscope 12. These connections are in accord with thatdescribed above with regard to FIGS. 2 and 4.

To use the microscope 10 of the present invention, a doctor places theinsertion end 32 in an incision, or passageway of the respiratory systemor gastrointestinal tract. In the case of the embodiment of theinvention shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6, the doctor uses the lockingmeans 38 to manipulate the sleeve 46 as necessary for advancement. Whenthe embodiment of the invention depicted in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7 isutilized, however, care must be taken to proceed only along aline-of-sight path. Throughout insertion the doctor observes theadvancement of the insertion end 32 by observation through the ocularopenings 18 and 20. Once the insertion end 32 is positioned as desired,the sleeve 46, when used, is secured in position using the locking means38 and safety lock 62. The configuration of the microscope 10 includingthe rod 64 can be secured through the use of the safety lock 62 alone.In both case the safety lock 62 acts to prevent accidental advancementof the apparatus within the biological specimen.

Having positioned the insertion end 32, or tube 84, the doctor canproceed to perform diagnostic tests and make observations regarding thespecimen under investigation. For example, a laser system can beemployed as the light source 16 to provide laser light for the excisionof unwanted or necrotic tissue. In addition, the microscope 10 can beused to oversee and direct the actions of surgical instruments duringprocedures involving minute biological components.

Removal of the insertion end 32 or tube 84 is accomplished by slowlyretracting the apparatus along the same path taken during insertion. Ofcourse, in the case of the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6 thelocking means 38 is first released to allow the collar elements 36 themaximum degree of pivotal freedom during removal.

It will be understood that changes may be made in the above constructionand in the foregoing sequences of operation without departing from thescope of the invention. It is accordingly intended that all mattercontained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawingsbe interpreted as illustrative rather than in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended tocover all of the generic and specific features of the invention asdescribed herein, and all statements of the scope of the inventionwhich, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

What is claimed is:
 1. A freestanding operating apparatus for presentinga stereo image of an internal area of biological specimen underobservation, said operating apparatus comprising:an endoscope sized andshaped to be insertable into and retractable from a cavity or incisionin a biological specimen said endoscope having an observation end and aninsertion end, said endoscope including a first lens image transmissionmeans for non-electronically transmitting an optical image from saidinsertion end of said endoscope to said observation end of saidendoscope and an illuminating means for transmitting light to saidinsertion end; and an operating stereomicroscope operatively connectedto said observation end of said endoscope, said operatingstereomicroscope including an optical viewing means for presenting astereo image of said optical image optically transmitted by said firstlens image transmission means.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 furtherincluding a means for locking said endoscope in a selected positionafter positioning in said cavity or incision.
 3. The apparatus of claim1 including a lens system means operatively connected to said operatingmicroscope for inverting the optical image transmitted by said firstlens means, said lens system being operatively connected to saidobservation end of said first lens means.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3wherein said lens system means further includes a prism means forsplitting said image transmitted by said first lens means and whereinsaid optical viewing means includes a pair of viewing ports, said prismmeans splitting the image transmitted by said first lens means such thatit is optically transmittable to each of said viewing ports.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1 further including an endoscope rotating means, saidrotating means providing a means for rotating said endoscope about itslongitudinal axis.
 6. A freestanding operating apparatus for presentinga stereo image of an internal area of a biological specimen underobservation, said operating apparatus comprising:a flexible elongatemember sized and shaped to be inserted into and retracted from a cavityor incision in a biological specimen, said flexible member having anobservation end and an insertion end, said flexible member including asleeve having a guide means for transmitting an optical image and anilluminating means for transmitting light to said insertion end, saidinsertion end of said guide means including a moveable prism means; alight source means operatively connected to said observation end of saidilluminating means of said flexible member, said light source meanssupplying light for transmission by said illuminating means; and anoperating stereomicroscope operatively connected to said observation endof said flexible member, said operating stereomicroscope including anoptical viewing means for presenting a stereo image of said opticalimage.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said member is a flexiblemember, said sleeve being formed by a series of collar means that arepivotally connected to each other and securable in a selected positionwhen said flexible member is operationally positioned in the biologicalspecimen.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 further including a means forlocking said sleeve means in a selected position after positioning saidflexible member in said biological specimen.
 9. The apparatus of claim 6including a lens system means operatively connected to said operatingmicroscope for inverting the optical image transmitted by said guidemeans, said lens system being operatively connected to said observationend of said guide means.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said guidemeans is a single fiber-optic bundle.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10wherein said lens system means includes a prism means for splitting saidimage transmitted via said fiber-optic bundle and wherein said opticalviewing means includes a pair of viewing ports, said prism meanssplitting said image such that it is optically transmittable to each ofsaid viewing ports.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said guidemeans is two fiber-optic bundles.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12including laser means for generating a laser beam, said laser beamtransmittable to said insertion end via one of said illuminating means.14. The apparatus of claim 6 including a pair of prism means and whereinsaid guide means is a pair of fiber-optic bundles, one of said prismmeans positioned at an end of each of said fiber-optic bundles, saidprism means oriented to provide convergent fields of view.
 15. Anoperating apparatus for presenting a stereo image of an internal area ofa biological specimen under examination, said operating apparatuscomprising:a flexible member sized and shaped to be inserted into andretracted from a cavity or incision in a biological specimen, saidflexible member having an observation end and an insertion end, saidflexible member including an optical image transmitting means and anilluminating means, said optical image transmitting means beingcontained within a tube means, said optical image transmitting meansincluding a series of optically aligned prism elements and a first prismmeans, said optically aligned prism elements transmitting an opticalimage from said insertion end to said observation end of said flexiblemember, said first prism means positioned at said insertion end of saidtube means, said first prism means configured to increase the overallfield of view of said prism elements, said illuminating meanstransmitting light from said observation end to said insertion end; alight source means connected to said observation end of saidilluminating means of said flexible member, said light source meanssupplying light for transmission by said illuminating means; and anoperating microscope operatively connected to said observation end ofsaid flexible member, said operating microscope including an opticalviewing means for presenting a stereo image of said optical image. 16.The apparatus of claim 15 including a lens system means operativelyconnected to said operating microscope for inverting the optical imagetransmitted by said optical image transmitting means, said lens systemmeans being operatively connected to said observation end of saidoptical image transmitting means.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15 whereinsaid optical image transmitting means is a single series of saidoptically aligned prism elements, each said prism element including tworeflective surfaces oriented at ninety degrees to each other.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 17 wherein said lens system means further includes asecond prism means for splitting said image transmitted by said singleseries of said optically aligned prism elements and wherein said opticalviewing means includes at least two optical viewing ports, said secondprism means splitting said image such that it is optically transmittableto each of said viewing ports.
 19. The apparatus of claim 15 whereinsaid optical image transmitting means is a series of pairs of saidoptically aligned prism elements, each said prism element including tworeflective surfaces oriented at ninety degrees to each other.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 19 wherein said lens system means further includes anoptical connecting means for optically connecting one of each saidviewing ports to one of each of said pairs of said optically alignedprism elements.